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A high wind warning has been extended for the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits through 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The service forecast southwest winds of 50 to 60 mph with gusts topping 80 mph.
Winds this strong can make driving in the area dangerous. Officials cautioned that travel to the summit should be delayed until the winds subside.
The Mauna Kea access road was closed as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Mauna Kea Weather Center. The closure was prompted because of blizzard conditions at the summit. Because the wind gauge at the summit has frozen, a wind speed was unavailable. However, at 8 a.m. the temperature at the summit was 24 degrees.